FC Internazionale x Parma FC (Serie A, Week 17)

FC Internazionale x Parma FC

Serie A, Week 17

Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Milano

Saturday: Jan-7th-2012

The Italian Serie A returns this week, and to kick off things it'll start with an always interesting game... Inter vs Parma. During the past decade, and beyond, the match ups between these two teams have been fascinating whether at the Giuseppe Meazza or the Tardini.

Inter are trying to come back from a horrible start to the 2011-12 season, and, for now, they're doing fine. Claudio Ranieri is giving his all even with the multiple injuries he has in his squad, and this match, in my opinion, will show us whether Inter needs reinforcements in this January transfer window or not.

On the other hand, Parma aren't doing good in the past five matches; as they drew in four and lost once. They have 19 points from 16 matches (5W/4D/7L), and stand in the 13th spot. But, never underestimate the "gialloblu" as they are known to make life tough to the big teams while playing away.

Inter's squad

GK: Julio Cesar, L. Castelazzi, and P. Orlandoni.

DF: J. Zanetti (c), Lucio, Maicon, A. Ranocchia, W. Samuel, D. Faraoni, and Y. Nagatomo.

MF: T. Mott, R. Alvarez, A. Poli, E. Cambiasso, J. Obi, and Coutinho.

FWD: G. Pazzini, D. Milito, M. Zarate, L. Castaignos.

Unfortunately, Parma FC's website didn't put the squad the team called-up for this showdown.

All-in-all, I believe Inter will edge past Parma; but it will be difficult!

Winner: Inter.

Have your say, and share your thoughts in the comment box below.

NFL Wild Card Weekend

Saturday: Jan-7th-2012

Cincinnati bengals @ Houston Texans (4:30 pm ET)

In my opinion, this match is going to be the least watched. The reason is that the other wild card showdowns have some "things to talk about"; for example, in the Falcons @ Giants match we're going to have a showdown between two excellent QBs. But the exciting thing in this game is it's between the highest seeding (Texans) and the lowest seeding (Bengals) in the wild card; will there be any surprises? No, the Texans will emerge victorious in my opinion and go and face the Ravens which are led by Flacco.

(Winner: Houston Texans)

Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints (8:00 pm ET)

Matthew Stafford against the record breaking Drew Brees, one of the most anticipated battles in the playoffs. The showdown will take place in New Orleans which gives the Saints an upper hand, but don't get fooled by the Lions' (10-6-0) record because they can survive in the Superdome. I really believe Stafford will give his all in this battle; but, Drew Brees and company will defeat the Lions despite what Stafford can/will do.

(Winner: New Orleans Saints)

Sunday: Jan-8th-2012

Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants (1:00 pm ET)

Although I suggested that the Steelers-Broncos is "the match to watch" in my previous post, I'm really looking forward to this match. Matt "Matty Ice" Ryan is one of my favorite QBs in the NFL today; this guy has what it takes to become a football legend. This week, Matt's team (the Falcons) will face an amazing offense led by an outstanding combination, which I love to call, Eli-Cruz! Eli Manning, the Giants' QB, along with Victor Cruz (WR) have taught the Cowboys a lesson last week and secured the NFC East top spot. I believe this is a REALLY tough game to call, but the Giants will prevail although I really want to see Matt Ryan advance and prove my point!

(Winner: New York Giants)

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos (4:30 pm ET)

This showdown is part of history already, I mean the Steelers and the Broncos are two of the biggest teams in NFL history. I'm not saying that the other teams in the wild card aren't good, but since I grew up I've always heard the names of certain teams... The Steelers and the Broncos are part of this list! Also, this is one of the major rivalries in the NFL; and the Broncos is the most team to face the Steelers in the playoffs! The Broncos' numbers this season (8-8-0) worry me, also Tebow's performance lately dropped dramatically; while Big Ben is showing his muscles around along with his team's very good record this season (12-4-0). This indicates that the Steeler's have a bigger chance of winning, and I'm betting on it.

(Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers)

Have your say in the comment box below and share your thoughts and views, please.


Have a nice Wild Card Weekend!!!

2011-12 NFL Playoffs

[Courtesy of nfl.com]

Here you have it, after the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys on week 17; this is how the playoff picture looks like.

Beginning next week, the wild card teams will face off... And in my opinion, the clash that's unmissable is the Steelers @ Broncos.

Join me and have your say in the comment box below... Who do you think will prevail?

Have a nice day :)

Happy New Year

From me, Mohammed, I want to wish everyone a happy and generous new year. Starting from next week, Saturday: January-7th-2012, I'll be back with my soccer analysis. And regarding the NFL, I'll deal with the playoffs!

Again, happy new year :D

NFL week 15 predictions

Week 15 predictions

Who'll go through?

Thursday, 15-Dec-2011:-

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Atlanta Falcons  ----> Falcons

Saturday, 17-Dec-2011:-

Dallas Cowboys @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers ----> Cowboys

Sunday, 18-Dec-2011:-

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills ----> Dolphins

Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears ----> Bears

Carolina Panthers @ Houston Texans ----> Texans

Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts ----> Titans

Green Bay Packers @ Kansas City Chiefs ----> Packers

New Orleans Saints @ Minnesota Vikings ----> Saints

Washington Redskins @ New York Giants ----> Giants

Cincinnati Bengals @ St. Louis Rams ----> Bengals

Detroit Lions @ Oakland Raiders ----> Raiders

Cleveland Browns @ Arizona Cardinals ----> Cardinals

New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos ----> Broncos

New York Jets @ Philadelphia Eagles ----> Jets

Baltimore Ravens @ San Diego Chargers ----> Ravens

Monday, 19-Dec-2011:-

Pittsburgh Steelers @ San Francisco 49ers ----> 49ers

Analysis:-

Jaguars @ Falcons

Although the Jaguars nailed the Buccaneers last week (41-14), but this week it's way too complicated to win! The Falcons are strong when playing home (4-2), also they have the opportunity to reach the playoffs; as a win against the Jags will increase their tally to (9-5-0). Moreover, Matt Ryan is the Falcons' "upper hand" in this encounter; as the Boston College graduate is on fire lately.

Cowboys @ Buccaneers

Week 13 and 14 weren't lucky for the Cowboys, as they lost two consecutive game and the lead in the NFC East. But, Tampa Bay also weren't impressive; as they were thrashed by the "struggling" Jaguars last week (41-14). Hence, I know it is a close call and the Cowboys are under a lot of pressure, the Cowboys will prevail in this clash. The big question is, though, will DeMarco Murray's injury have a negative effect on the Cowboys?

Patriots @ Broncos

Both teams deserve to reach the playoffs, both teams have outstanding QBs, and both teams want to prove a point to NFL fans that they're still in the game. Tom Brady (Patriots) screwed up last week against the Redskins, but he also claimed top passer that game. Tim Tebow (Broncos) also claimed top passer against the Bears last week, and he also helped the Broncos clinch victory! I believe Denver's home field advantage will give them more determination as their situation, devision wise, is more critical than the Patriots'. Tebow... Man of the match!

Steelers @ 49ers

A classic "Monday Night Football" game, as two of the most outstanding teams in NFL history will collide! The Steelers didn't want this match to arrive while they are in this situation, as they could lose their joint top spot with Ravens; whilst the 49ers clinched the NFC West. It will be one of the most memorable NFL games in history... But, the 49ers will give the Ravens a little push to claim the AFC North!

Please have your say and share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Have a nice day, and happy holidays!

Serie A, Week 15

Serie A, Week 15

Sat: 10-Dec, Sun: 11-Dec, and Mon: 12-Dec

Saturday: 10-Dec-2011:-

Lecce vs Lazio ... Lazio

Siena vs Genoa ... Draw

Inter vs Fiorentina ... Inter

Palermo vs Cesena ... Palermo

Sunday: 11-Dec-2011:-

Atalanta vs Catania ... Atalanta

Bologna vs Milan ... Draw

Udinese vs Chievo ... Udinese

Cagliari vs Parma ... Draw

Novara vs Napoli ... Napoli

Monday: 12-dec-2011:-

Roma vs Juventus ... Juventus

Analysis:-

Inter vs Fiorentina

Although Fiorentina thrashed Roma 3-0 last week and Inter's performance hasn't been that impressive lately, and Inter's captain, Javier Zanetti, won't be available for this encounter (red carded against Udinese last week); I believe the Nerazzurri will win this match. Inter lost twice at home this past week to Udinese and CSKA Moscow respectively, but this week Ranieri will do whatever it takes to stop Delio Rossi's men. And if the Inter lost... I guess it's the last of the Grande Inter II.

Bologna vs Milan

Bologna competed against Juve this past Thursday in the Coppa Italia, and they fought until extra time. This indicates that the "Rossoblu" are capable of making life hard for the big teams; therefore, I believe this match will end in a draw even though Pato is back!

Roma vs Juventus

One of the most exciting matches in Italian football through history! Juventus, il bianconero, is back and wants to prove that they're on the right track by beating Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. This match, in particular, will be outstanding; yes, expect goals... A lot of goals! Even the Italian FA believe that too, as this match is at the same time as the Chelsea vs Man City game in the EPL. But, the big question is, will there be controversy in this epic battle? We'll find out Monday.

Please have your say and leave a comment bellow, share your thoughts and insights.

Have a pleasant FOOTBALL weekend.

Barclays English Premier League, Week 15

Barclays Premier League, Week 15

Games on Sat: 10-Dec, Sun: 11-Dec, and Mon: 12-Dec

Saturday: 10-Dec-2011:-

Arsenal vs Everton ... Arsenal

Bolton vs Aston Villa ... Draw

Liverpool vs QPR ... Liverpool

Manchester United vs Wolverhampton ... Man. United

WBA vs Wigan ... Wigan

Norwich vs Newcastle United ... Newcastle U.

Swansea vs Fulham ... Draw

Sunday: 11-Dec-2011:-

Sunderland vs Blackburn ... Sunderland

Stoke City vs Tottenham ... Draw

Monday: 12-Dec-2011:-

Chelsea vs Manchester City ... Man. City

Analysis:-

Arsenal vs Everton

Arsenal are unbeaten in the EPL since the loss in the North London Derby against Spurs on October 2nd, and their recent form is quite impressive in both domestic and Europe competitions. Regardless of their loss to Olympiacos in UCL, Arsenal will eventually ease past the "Toffees" in this showdown; and the recent visit of Arsenal legend Thierry Henry will give both players and fans the momentum to clinch victory.

Manchester United vs Wolverhampton

Knocked out of the big European competition, Nemanja Vidic's SERIOUS injury, lack of confidence in De Gea! Well, these are the top concerns that are itching the backs of the Red Devils' supporters. But, Wolverhampton won't be a concern as Man. United and Sir Alex will try their best to send a message to their fans that the recent elimination from Europe was just a miscalculation. In my opinion, the Red Devils will win it; even though, I see some back and forth action!

Chelsea vs Manchester City

Both teams were on the edge in midweek, as both were facing elimination from the UCL. Well, one team managed to go through (Chelsea, as first place); while the other won the match but its "rival" won also. Roberto Mancini promised the City faithful that he'll bring them back to the spotlight this season; but from the looks of it, that spotlight is missing. Yes they are first place in the EPL, and yes they can win the "domestic" treble this season; but, in my point of view, reaching, at least, the last eight in the UCL would satisfy the fans more. Villas-Boas shut his critics in the past week by the thrashing, both, Newcastle in the EPL and Valencia in the UCL with the same result (3-0). But that doesn't mean he'll be able to repeat it against a star studded side like the Citizens! From my experience in the Italian Calcio, Roberto Mancini ALWAYS won his matches when he gets eliminated from Europe. And this week he'll do the same!

Please have your say in the comment box below, and share your thoughts and predictions.

Have a nice FOTBALLING weekend!